We created a connection and are using SQLEXEC() to open cursors of data from tables
in the proprietary database.
The problem is that opening these tables takes forever and a day.
I was sort of hoping maybe using SQLPREPARE() might be the answer to my speed issues.


Who is backend or ODBC origin data type ?

I think SQLPREPARE() not change the situation, but Try is simple.

You can use MS Query for test the speed,
and see if the problem is into ODBC Server side.

You read
a) unfiltered tables
b) filtered tables
c) joined tables

?

With b)c) you can have a lack of indices.